• Government of Ontario: Covid-19 Website
• Public Health Ontario: Ontario Covid-19 Data Tool
• Ottawa Public Health: Daily Covid-19 Dashboard

The past few weeks have been a very busy time for me, and I'm pleased to share some local and provincial updates with you.

Local News:

Ontario is investing in multiple projects that will enrich the lives of Ottawa seniors and recognize their significant contributions to our province.

This years Seniors Community Grant project will provide seven Ottawa organizations with $170,000 to help Ontario’s Seniors to stay fit, active, healthy and in their communities.

I'm very pleased that Rural Ottawa South Support Services has received $25,000 through this grant in support of their  "A Friendly Voice Volunteer Expansion Project".

Read More.

17 participating grocery and pharmacy locations across Carleton will provide free rapid tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit. Participating retailers will receive additional supply from the province each week and have the ability to determine how tests are distributed in order to best serve the community, including through appointment bookings, at checkout or through online orders.

Click here to learn more and find the location closest to you.

Provincial News:

The Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant portal is now open. The grant will provide $10,000 to eligible businesses were subject to closure.

The application portal will be open until 11:59 p.m. on March 11 for applications from:

• Newly established businesses
• Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021
• Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.

In order to be eligible, applicants will need to confirm that they:

• Had fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021
• Were an active business as of January 14, 2022
• Were required to close indoor operations on January 5, 2022.

The Ontario government continues to deliver on its commitment to put more money in the pockets of seniors, workers and families by offering tax credits this tax season.

Ontario residents should file their 2021 Income Tax and Benefit Return to get tax credits and benefits, even if they have no taxable income to report. The government’s suite of tax credits and benefits includes:

1. Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit
2. Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
3. Low-Income Workers Tax Credit
4. Ontario Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit
5. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
6. Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit
7. Ontario Staycation Tax Credit